Adcote School for Girls: Shrek
As an NSTA representative, I had the distinct pleasure of attending Adcote School for Girls’ lively and heartwarming production of Shrek Jr on Friday, 14th March 2025. Directed by Mrs Fletcher, with musical direction by Mr Kindred and Miss Hope, and choreography by Mrs Helliker, this musical showcased the energy and enthusiasm of this talented cast with warmth, humour and a little drop of magic.
Shrek Jr is a heartwarming adaptation of the beloved DreamWorks film and Broadway show, celebrating acceptance and individuality. The story follows Shrek, a grumpy yet lovable ogre, whose swamp is overrun by fairytale misfits exiled by the villainous Lord Farquaad. To reclaim his home, Shrek embarks on a quest with a witty donkey to rescue Princess Fiona, only to discover unexpected love and self-acceptance along the way. Filled with humour, adventure, and vibrant characters, this enchanting musical delivers a powerful message for audiences of all ages.
Adcote School for Girls transformed their stage into a vibrant fairytale world. The entire cast radiated joy and confidence, which was infectious; there was a clear sense of camaraderie on stage that resonated with the audience. The energy and enthusiasm of the performers ensured that everyone watching was thoroughly entertained, making for an unforgettable evening of theatre. Despite the small performance space, the cast made excellent use of every inch, ensuring smooth transitions and dynamic staging that kept the audience engaged throughout. We were immediately transported to a fairytale world through the staging, costumes, music and performances.
At the heart of the production were three standout lead performances. Niso, as Shrek, commanded the stage with excellent presence and character portrayal. Her comic timing was spot-on, and she delivered a confident, solid performance that remained strong from start to finish. Zoe, as Princess Fiona, impressed with her wonderful singing voice and a confident all-round performance. She was consistent throughout and had fantastic chemistry with her co-stars, particularly in her playful and engaging interactions with Gabriella, who played Donkey. Gabriella was truly the linchpin of the show in the comedic role of Donkey. She led with fabulous energy and physicality, bringing Donkey to life with a unique and charismatic take on the role. Her comic timing, improvisation skills, and clever use of accent made the character entirely her own, keeping the audience entertained with every scene she was in.
Other standout performances included Addie as Lord Farquaad and Victoria as the Ugly Duckling. Addie had excellent stage presence and fantastic physicality as Lord Farquaad. Her commitment to performing on her knees was particularly impressive, maintaining a strong and expressive character portrayal that had the audience laughing throughout. As the Ugly Duckling, Victoria’s confidence never wavered. She performed with fully extended dance moves and a great singing voice, making her a memorable part of the ensemble.
The chorus also played a crucial role in bringing the show to life. From the opening number to the grand finale, the chorus characters added depth and excitement, making every musical number feel full and engaging. Their fun and well-rehearsed dancing contributed to the overall spectacle, creating a visually dynamic performance. The big musical numbers were particularly impressive, bursting with enthusiasm and precision, drawing the audience into the magic of the story. Particularly successful musical numbers included “What’s Up, Duloc”, “I Know It’s Today”, and “Freak Flag”. The harmonies in “I Know It’s Today” were performed beautifully, showcasing the vocal talents of the cast.
The lighting design was elegantly simple yet highly effective, featuring purposeful use of a follow spot and well-chosen colour washes to enhance each scene. The professionally hired set and costumes added the perfect finishing touch, elevating the production and bringing the performance together seamlessly.
Another notable feature of the production was the creative use of puppets for the Dragon and the Gingerbread Man, adding an extra layer of fun and imagination to the show. The attention to detail in all aspects of the production demonstrated the hard work and dedication of the entire team.
Adcote’s Shrek Jr was a joyous showcase of talent, creativity, and passion, with infectious energy from start to finish. The cast and crew should be incredibly proud of their achievement in bringing this beloved story to life with such charm, energy, and excitement. Congratulations to all involved—well done, Adcote!
National School Theatre Awards
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Categories: Academic Achievement